How To Install OS 10.3.1 On Your BlackBerry NOW

So you have a BlackBerry and you want OS 10.3.1 NOW? Well, there is a way you can have it on your Q5, Q10, Z3, Z10*, Z30 and Passport! (*Z10STL100-1 Not Supported) Not sure what’s in 10.3.1? Check out our BlackBerry 10.3.1 Preview to find out what you’re in for!
Here are some steps you can follow to a simple and painless install of 10.3.1 on your existing BB10 device:

HEY, YOU! Before you start, here are some basic ground rules and notes:

• Do only what you think you are capable, and comfortable doing with your device. – if you mess it up, we are not to blame, you are responsible for whatever happens if you decided to attempt this.
• This version of OS 10.3.1 has PIN watermarks on your home screen.
• Blend does NOT work (yet); unless you’re using a Passport, P’9983, or Classic. Got it? Good!

Start:

You need to get a few things. First, a Windows-based PC, a USB cable for your phone to PC connection, and the correct autoloader which will be downloaded from the links below. (MAC users need Parallels or a bootcamped partition of Windows in order to install a new BlackBerry OS.)
Download the file, run, and done! Sound difficult? It’s not!
Be sure to download the proper file for your device. If you’re unsure your device model, head to Settings > About > Model Number or ask for help below!
OS 10.3.1.632 Links:

• BlackBerry Z3 (STJ100-*)
• BlackBerry Z30 (STA100-*)
• BlackBerry Z10 (STL100-2/3) (STL100-4)
• BlackBerry Q10/Q5 (SQR100-*) / (SQN100-*)
• BlackBerry Passport  (SQW100-1)

The last thing you need to do before installing a new OS is to backup your phone using BlackBerry Link. Cable up, and open Link. Make a FULL backup. Better to be safe than sorry!

Loading the OS

So by now you should have downloaded the correct version of the file for your device.
The file you downloaded is probably in .zip, ,rar, or 7z format. You need to unzip the file to get the autoloader. Unzip it by double clicking on it and extracting the file to your desktop. (You may need a program to do this: we recommend WinZip or 7-zip.org) When you see a folder and a single .exe file inside, you’re where you need to be!

Optional:

You may set your phone on Airplane mode (which turns off all radios).
Some people like to do this so they do not receive any messages as they load a new OS. I personally never do, but maybe I am living dangerously?! So, as a precaution go to Settings > Airplane mode and toggle it ON – if you are so inclined.

To begin installing the OS, make sure BlackBerry Link is closed and your phone is plugged in. Open the folder where the downloaded .exe file is located, and double click the file to open.
The autoloader will start to install the file to your phone. DO NOT TOUCH YOUR PHONE! The autoloader will reboot your phone, then it will start to load the files. You will see a black DOS-like screen and a lot of numbers running across it. That’s exactly what is supposed to happen. JUST WAIT.

When the process is finished, the phone will reboot, and the program will close.
The whole installation process takes about 10 minutes maximum. Let the phone reboot (the first reboot will be very slow as the software is actually being installed to your phone).

When it finally boots up, you will see the Setup screen for your new OS. You may detach your phone at this point if you would like to – or leave it to charge. Follow the instructions on your screen to set up your device.
This is your new OS, congratulations!
At this point you may choose to start setting up your email accounts, loading apps or you may want to restore your backup.

Restoring Your Backup

If you want to restore from your backup that you created BEFORE you started (you DID create a backup, right??) – you need to attach your phone to your PC again, and open BlackBerry Link. Choose Restore in the menu, and select your backup.
NOTE: If you are going to restore from 10.3 to 10.3.1, DO NOT restore fully. Select Customize, and UNCHECK the BlackBerry runtime file. The runtime of the NEW OS you just loaded is what you want! Not the old one you have in your backup!
Here is something else to think about: When going from one numbered OS like 10.2. to 10.3, DO NOT restore your application data. If you do this you will lose whatever features the new OS has included (such as assistant). You can still restore your settings and media if you desire.
Personal note: I always restore, and while some small items may need tweaking afterwards – I never have any real issues. My one and only daily driver, my Z30 has 10.3.1 and I did a selective restore. I did not restore the runtime.
That’s it! You now have 10.3.1 on your BlackBerry phone, and you can say I did it all by myself!

Download Setup File from Downloader (100% Working Link)